Process for the simultaneous texturing and dyeing or finishing of thermoplastic yarns

ABSTRACT

A process for the simultaneous texturizing, i.e. crimping, and dyeing or finishing of thermoplastic yarns comprising packing and compressing the yarns into a confined space through introduction of a flow of a compressed fluid heated to a temperature sufficient to set the yarns, allowing a portion of the compressed fluid to provide movement of the yarns axially in the confined space with the remainder of the fluid escaping laterally from the confined space into further annular space under a pressure lower than the pressure of the confined space, but higher than atmospheric pressure; and simultaneously introducing at least one dyeing solution or finishing agent into the confined space over the compressed yarns, such process being characterized in that the compressed yarn is continuously passed through at least one expansion zone and thereafter through at least one zone in which a further fluid is introduced under pressure. Such process allows for the simultaneous dyeing or finishing of thermoplastic yarns in a high speed texturizing process.

United States Patent [191 Grosjean et al.

[45] Aug. 14, 1973 PROCESS FOR THE SIMULTANEOUS TEXTURING AND DYEING ORFINISHING OF THERMOPLASTIC YARNS [75] Inventors: Pierre Grosjean,

Sainte-Foy-Les-Lyon; Ren Guillermln, Bron; Roger Vidal, Champagne, allof France [73] Assignee: Societe Rhodiaceta, Paris, France 22 Filed:Oct. 7, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 187,407

[30] Foreign Application Priority Data Oct. 14. 1970 France H, .7037348'July 26, 1971 France ..7l27557 [52] US. Cl 28/72.l4, 8/17, 3/148, 28/75WT [51] Int. Cl D02g 1/12 [58] Field of Search 28/72.l4, 75 WT; 8/17,148

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,644,969 2/1972 Guillermin28/75 WT FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 1,452,774 6/1965 France 28/75WT Primary Examiner-Louis K. Rimrodt Attorney-Leonard W. Sherman et al.

, 57 1 ABSTRACT A process for the simultaneous texturizing, i.e.crimping, and dyeing or finishing of thermoplastic yarns comprisingpacking and compressing the yarns into a confined space throughintroduction of a flow of a compressed fluid heated to a temperaturesufficient to set the yarns, allowing a portion of the compressed fluidto provide movement of the yarns axially in the confined space with theremainder of the fluid escaping laterally from the confined space intofurther annular space under a pressure lower than the pressure of theconfined space, but higher than atmospheric pressure; and

simultaneously introducing at least one dyeing solution or finishingagent into the confined space over the compressed yams, such processbeing characterized in that the compressed yarn is continuously passedthrough at least one expansion zone and thereafter through at least onezone in which a further fluid is introduced under pressure. Such processallows for the simultaneous dyeing or finishing of thermoplastic yarnsin a high speed texturizing process.

15 Claim, 2 Drawing Figures PROCESS FOR THE SIMULTANEOUS TEXTURING ANDDYEING OR FINISHING OF THERMOPLASTIC YARNS This application is directedto a process for thesimultaneous texturizing and dyeing or finishing ofthermoplastic yarns at high speed; more particularly, the presentinvention is directed to the simultaneous crimping and dyeing ofthermoplastic yarns at high speed in a manner not heretofore possiblewith conventional procedures.

Various processes have been proposed for the texturizing ofthermoplastic yarns including processes involving the simultaneoustexturizing and dyeing of the same. With regard to each of suchprocesses previously proposed, a particularly difficult problem to besolved involves the setting of the crimp. This problem of setting of thecrimp during texturizing of thermoplastic yarns is even more difficultwhen attempting to effect simultaneous texturizing and dyeing.

In the case of high speed texturizing processes it has been proposed toeffect the texturizing by compressing and packing a thermoplastic yarninto a confined space by means of a hot compressed fluid, at least aportion of the fluid escaping laterally into the atmosphere with theremainder providing the axial movement of the packed yarn within theconfined space. In such proposal, the hot fluid is used as a crimpinducing and heat treating agent and is generally saturated steam.

A more recent proposal has improved upon such texturizing process byproviding an improvement in the heat treatment associated therewith.Such proposal, the subject of co-pending application Ser. No. 56,880filed July 21,1971 assigned to the assignee of this application, is onein which the hot fluid is allowed to expand, not directly into theatmosphere, but rather into a space which is maintained at a pressurehigher than atmospheric pressure but, obviously, lower than the pressureof the confined space in which the thermoplastic yarn is compressed andpacked. While such proposal does provide an improvement in the heattreatment and texturizing of the thermoplastic yarn, the same stillfails to solve problems associated with attempts to simultaneouslytexturize and dye or finish the thermoplastic yarns.

It is additionally known that in the foregoing texturizing processes oneor more dyeing solutions can beinserted in the texturizing chamber soasto effect simultaneous texturizing and dyeing of the thermoplasticyarns. It is unfortunate, however, that, particularly at high speeds,the absorption of the dyes by the thermoplastic yarns is not alwayssufficiently fast. Accordingly the lack of absorption of the dyes by thethermoplastic yarns in the simultaneous texturizing and dyeing of thesame is a distinct disadvantage of such simultaneous processes.

In addition, it has long been recognized that at least a minimum amountof water is necessary for sufficient migration of the dyes. On the otherhand, the efiects of heat treatment are increased with decreasingamounts of water, thereby leading to the conclusion that lesser amountsof water provide for better development of the dyes. These inconsistentparameters have again led to certain distinct disadvantages in priorattempts and prior proposals for the simultaneous texturizing and dyeingof thermoplastic yarns.

In attempts to carry out simultaneous texturizing and dyeing, it wasdiscovered that the packed yarn was receiving during dyeing too muchwater for optimal operation under dyeing conditions. It was proposedthat the pressure of the texturizing fluid could be raised so as toreduce the excess water, the raise in pressure of the texturizing fluid,i.e. steam, thereby raising the temperature thereof. However, suchattempt to decrease the amount of excess water by raising the pressureand temperature of the texturizing fluid has not been particularlysuccessful due to limitations imposed thereon because of deteriorationof the yarn at high temperatures. Accordingly, until the development ofthe present invention, no process for the successful simultaneoustexturizing and dyeing of thennoplastic yarns had been proposed. Theprocess of the present invention, however, as will be indicatedhereinafter, has eliminated all of the foregoing disadvantages anddeficiencies of prior art processes and proposals.

The foregoing defects and deficiencies of prior processes have beenovercome in accordance with the present invention wherein a process forthe simultaneous texturizing and dyeing of a thermoplastic yarn has beendeveloped comprising packing and compressing such thermoplastic yarnsinto a confined space by introduction of a flow of a compressed fluid,preferably steam, the compressed fluid being heated to a temperaturesufficient to set the yarns; allowing a portion of the compressed fluidto provide movement of the yarns axially in the confined space, theremainder of the fluid escaping laterally from the confined space undera pressure lower than the pressure of the confined space but higher thanatmospheric pressure; and simultaneously introducing at least one dyeingsolution or finishing solution into the confined space over thecompressed yarns, the improvement in accordance with the presentinvention being in that the compressed yarn is continuously passedthrough at least one expansion zone to effect expansion of the fluid andthereafter through at least one injection zone wherein a further fluidunder pressure is injected. In this way, it is possible toadvantageously texturize, i.e. crimp, and dye or finish thermoplasticyarns simultaneously, at high speeds.

Accordingly, it is a principal object of the present invention toprovide a novel process for the simultaneous texturizing and dyeing orfinishing of thermoplastic yarns in a manner eliminating the variousdefects and disadvantages of prior proposals.

It is a further object of the present invention to pro vide a processfor the simultaneous crimping and dyeing of thermoplastic yarns whereinthe thermoplastic yarn is simultaneously dyed and crimped in a confinedspace and thereafter continuously passed through at least one expansionzone and thereafter through at least one zone in which a fluid isintroduced under pressure.

It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a novelimproved process for the simultaneous crimping and dyeing ofthermoplastic yarns wherein the yarn is packed and compressed in aconfined space by introduction of a flow of a compressed fluid, aportion of the compressed fluid allowing advancement of the yarn, theremainder escaping laterally into a further space under a pressure lowerthan the pressure of the confined space but higher than atmosphericpressure, at least one dyeing solution being simultaneously introducedinto the confined space, the improvement in accordance with the presentinvention comprising continuously passing the compressed yarn through atleast one expansion zone and thereafter through at least one zone inwhich a further fluid is introduced under pressure.

Still further objects and advantages of the novel process of the presentinvention for the simultaneous texturizing and dyeing or finishing ofthermoplastic yarns will be more apparent from the following moredetailed description thereof.

The foregoing objects and advantages of the process of the presentinvention are achieved by simultaneously texturizing and dyeing orfinishing a thermoplastic yarn through compression and packing of theyarn into a confined space, by means of a flow of a compressed fluid,heated to a temperature which permits the setting of the yarn, a portionof the fluid providing advancement of the yarn axially through theconfined space with the remainder escaping laterally into a furtherspace under a pressure lower than the feeding pressure but higher thanatmospheric pressure, at least one dyeing solution or finishing solutionbeing inserted into the confined space over the packed yarn, the processbeing particularly characterized and the improvement residing in thefeature that the packed yarn passes into and through at least one zoneof expansion of the fluid and thereafter into and through at least oneinjection zone wherein at least one further fluid under pressure isinjected.

As indicated throughout the instant specification, the expressionthermoplastic yarn is meant to embrace any continuous length ofsubstantially unidirectional thermoplastic textile material, regardlessof its specific structure, which can be utilized for textilemanufacture. According the thermoplastic yarns which are simultaneouslytexturized and dyed or finished in accordance with the present inventionmay consist of one or a number of continuous filaments or ofdiscontinuous (stable) fibers. The term thermoplastic yarn as employedthroughout the instant specification includes such yarns obtained byspinning or extrusion of polymers, copolymers, graft copolymers,mixtures thereof, or by spinning and simultaneous extrusion of at leasttwo of these products arranged concentrically or sideby-side ordispersed in one another to produce homogeneous or hetergeneous yarnshaving properties depending upon the various components. Suitablethermoplastic yarns which are utilizable in accordance with the presentinvention include those of natural or synthetic origin including suchmaterials as polyesters, linear polyamides, cellulose acetate yarns,polyvinyl chloride, etc. Any of these forms of thermoplastic yarns canbe advantageously employed in accordance with the instant process andthe present invention is not in any way limited to any particular typeor form of thermoplastic yarn.

As indicated above, the process of the present invention is applicableboth to the simultaneous texturizing, i.e. crimping, and dyeing ofthermoplastic filament yarns as well as the simultaneous texturizing andfinishing of such yarns. The dyes which can be utilized in accordancewith the present invention and applied to the packed yarn in theconfined zone can be any of those conventionally utilized for dyeingthermoplastic yarns. For example, the dyes can be acid dyes, basic dyes,disperse dyes, etc., as well as conventional pigments. In

this regard, the process of the present invention is not dependent uponany particular dyeing solution and any conventional dyeing solution orsolutions can be advantageously utilized in accordance with the instantprocess.

Similarly, the finishing agents which can be utilized in accordance withthe present invention include the well-known resist agents, antistaticagents, soil retardant agents, optical brightening agents, softeners,ultraviolet light absorbing agents fire proofing agents as well as avariety of other conventional finishes. Here again, the process of thepresent invention is not dependent upon the utilization of anyparticular finishing agent and any of those conventionally applied tothermoplastic yarns can be applied simultaneously with the texturizing,i.e. crimping, in accordance with the instant process.

In addition, while the foregoing and following descriptions are directedprimarily to simultaneous texturizing and dyeing or simultaneoustexturizing and finishing it is quite obvious that a dyeing solution andfinishing solution can be simultaneously applied to the packed yarnduring the texturizing operation. Accordingly, it is possible to applyseparate dyeing and finishing solutions in the process of the presentinvention or if desired include a finishing agent in a dyeing solution.Each of these embodiments is well adapted to the process of the presentinvention.

In accordance with the process of the present invention, thethermoplastic filament yarns to be simultaneously texturized, i.e.crimped, and dyed and/or finished are packed and compressed into aconfined space through introduction of a flow of a compressed fluid,preferably steam, such compressed fluid being heated to a temperaturesufficient to set the yarns. The yarn is texturized in this confinedspace by compression and packing under a first high pressure associatedwith the introduction of the compressed fluid, i.e. steam. A portion ofthe compressed fluid provides movement of the yarn axially in theconfined space with the remainder of the compressed fluid escapinglaterally into an annular space around the confined space under apressure which is lower than the texturizing pressure but higher thanatmospheric pressure. After passing through the confined space, thethermoplastic yarn which is packed or piled up then penetrates or passesinto at least one zone of relaxation wherein the compressed fluid may beexpanded to a lower pressure before the yarn passes into at least onezone wherein a further fluid is injected under pressure. Preferably, theyarn then passes into at least one further expansion zone under a lowpressure, preferably of the same order of magnitude of the earlierexpansion zone. The fluid which is injected in the injection zone isalso preferably steam.

The pressure of the compressed fluid in at least one injection zone intoand through which the packed yarn is passed is preferably high so as toexert sufficient mechanical pressure on the yarn. Generally and in apreferred manner, the pressure in at least one injection zone issubstantially equal to or slightly lower than the pressure of thetexturizing fluid. Generally, the pressure of the texturizing fluid isfrom about 4 to about 12 kg/cm, the pressure in at least one injectionzone therefore being approximately 1.5 to 8 kg/cm The pressure in thezones of relaxation and expansion of the compressed fluid are generallywithin the range of from about 1 to 3 kg/cm preferably close toatmospheric pressure. In this regard, the packed yarn may be passed intosuch zones of relaxation and injection under equal or differingpressures, the zones being arranged in various combinations. It shouldbe clearly observable from the foregoing, however, that while thevarious zones through which the yarn passes in the process of thepresent invention are preferable maintained within the foregoingpressure ranges, the particular pressure for any specific zone can bevaried within wide limits.

The process of the present invention allows for the texturizing andsimultaneous dyeing and/or finishing of a thermoplastic yarn at highspeeds. In this regard the process of the present invention can becarried with high speeds compatible with the speeds utilized in theoverall process within which the texturizing process is utilized. Forexample, when the process is integrated into a spinning device orextruding-drawing device, the feeding means are generally between 600and 1,500 meters per minute with the windup speeds generally within therange of 500 to 1,400 meters per minute. The process of the presentinvention allows the simultaneous texturizing and dyeing and/orfinishing of the thermoplastic yarn at speeds compatible with the above.

When the process of the present invention is carried out in adiscontinuous manner and it does not form a portion of an integratedprocess as described above, the feeding speeds of the yarn are generallywithin the range of l,000 to 5,500 meters per minute and the windupspeeds between 800 and 5,000 meters per minute. Certainly, however,slightly greater or lesser speeds for both the feed and windup of theyarn can be employed in either a discontinuous or integrated process.

It is unexpected that in accordance with the present invention thesimultaneous texturizing, i.e. crimping, and dyeing and/or finishingpermits a considerable re duction in the amount of water maintained onthe yarn, the water present being mainly due to the aqueous dyeingsolution since generally 100 grams of water are provided in the aqueousdye solutions for 100 grams of yarn. The elimination of water inaccordance with the present invention provides an improvement from theviewpoint of dyeing, specifically in accordance with the presentinvention it is possible to obtain much better control, migration anddiffusion of the dyes in the thermoplastic yarns.

The device or apparatus useful in carrying out the process of thepresent invention includes a suction nozzle having a passage for thethermoplastic yarn and an inlet pipe for the compressed fluid; a tubularchamber which communicates with the nozzle and is perforated withapertures so as to allow escape of some of the fluid from the tubularchamber; means for injection of one or more dyeing solutions into thetubular chamber; several closed enclosures surrounding the tubularchamber at least over a certain portion thereof associated with knownsystems for regulating the pressure, the closed enclosures serving toprovide at least one injection zone and relaxation or expansion zone,the injection zone having associated therewith at least one means forinjection of a fluid under pressure; and means for guiding and checkingthe delivery of the treated thermoplastic yarn.

The closed enclosures forming the injection zones and zones ofrelaxation and expansion of the fluid may be formed of several separateenclosures placed sideby-side or may be formed of a single enclosedspace with water and air tight partitions. The process of the presentinvention can be applicably carried out in accordance with either ofthese embodiments. Moreover, as indicated previously, it is a preferredfeature of the present invention that the thermoplastic yarn is firstpassed through at least one zone of expansion, thereafter into andthrough at least one injection zone wherein a fluid under pressure isinjected over the thermoplastic yarn and finally through at least onefurther zone of expansion.

The process of the present invention will now be described by referenceto the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a device carrying out theprocess of the present invention; and

FIG. 2 is a further schematic representation of an alternative devicecarrying out the process of the present invention.

Referring to the figures wherein like numerals represent like elements,FIG. I illustrates a device carrying out the process of the presentinvention wherein a thermoplastic yarn l is inserted into a longitudinalduct 2 of a nozzle 3, a texturizing fluid, e.g. steam, being insertedthrough pipe 4. The thermoplastic yarn l penetrates into tubular chamber5, a portion of the texturizing fluid serving to advance the yarnaxially, compressing and crimping the same in tubular chamber 5. Tubularchamber 5 is perforated with apertures 6 through which a portion of thetexturizing fluid escapes into a closed enclosure 7 which is maintainedunder a pressure lower than the pressure of the texturizing fluid buthigher than atmospheric pressure by a known pressure regulating device8.

In tubular chamber 5, thermoplastic yarn 11 forms a pile of packed yarn9 which is subjected, in this case, to the action of two dyeingsolutions coming from tank 10 divided into compartments 11 and 12, thedyeing solutions being introduced over the packed yarn 9 through pipes13 and 14. While two dyeing solutions are illustrated in FIG. I, it isquite obvious that one or more dyeing solutions can be utilized or, afinishing solution can be employed alone or together with otherfinishing solutions or in combination with one or more dyeing solutions.Each of these embodiments is well within the scope of the presentinvention.

As seen in FIG. 1, tubular chamber 5 thereafter passes through a firstexpansion or relaxation chamber 15 equipped with a regulating system ormeans 16 capable of maintaining the pressure in the chamber to allowexpansion and escape of the texturizing fluid. The texturizing fluidescapes from tubular chamber 5 into the first expansion or relaxationchamber 15 through apertures 17. While only one expansion-or relaxationchamber 15 is shown in FIG. I, it is quite possible as indicatedpreviously that the tubular chamber may pass through one or moreexpansion or relaxation chambers or zones.

After passing through the expansion or relaxation chamber 15, tubularchamber 5 then passes into a zone or chamber 18 equipped with a pressureregulating device 19 and a fluid injection means, not shown, the fluidbeing injected into chamber 18 through pipe or tube 20. The compressedfluid, preferably the same as the texturizing fluid, i.e. steam, isintroduced into injection chamber 10 through pipe or tube 20 and passesover packed yarn 9 by passing through apertures 21. Again, while asingle injection zone or chamber 18 has been shown in FIG. I, asindicated previously, one or more of such injection chambers can beutilized in carrying out the process of the present invention.

After passing through injection zone or chamber 18, tubular chamberpasses through a further expansion or relaxation chamber 22, generallyof the same configuration and type as expansion or relaxation chamber15. Such further relaxation chamber 22 is also equipped with a knownpressure regulating device 23 and the fluid escapes into the relaxationor expansion chamber 22 through apertures 24. As seen in FIG. I, thepacked yarn which progresses through tubular chamber 5 by the action ofthe texturizing fluid is guided when it leaves relaxation or expansionchamber 22 by means of a driven roller 26 and non-driven roller 27, themeans for driving the roller not being shown. In addition, as previouslyindicated, the process of the present invention can be carried out in adiscontinuous manner or as a portion of an integrated process. Othernecessary elements of the integrated process or discontinuous processincluding delivery and windup means for the thermoplastic yarn areconventional and not shown in the figures.

FIG. 2 illustrates a further device or apparatus carrying out theprocess of the present invention, the apparatus of FIG. 2 differing fromthat of FIG. I only in that the means for guiding and controlling thepacked yarn 9 comprises a tube 28 with apertures 29 open to theatmosphere. Again, the conventional delivery and windup means, etc., arenot shown.

Again, with regard to FIG. 2, it is pointed out that while the sameillustrates passage of tubular chamber 5 through a single expansion orrelaxation zone or chamber, an injection zone or chamber and thereafterthrough a further expansion or relaxation zone or chamber, it is quiteobvious that one or more of each of these zones can be utilized incarrying out the process of the present invention.

The present invention will now be described by reference to thefollowing examples. In such examples, CI refers to Color Index, 2ndEdition, I956 and supplement, published by Society of Dyers andColorists" and the American Association of Textile Chemists andColorists". Such examples are presented for purposes of illustrationonly and the present invention is in no way to be deemed as limitedthereto.

EXAMPLE I In carrying out this example a device according to FIG. 1 wasused, with the following characteristics:

length of the unit formed by the closed container 7 and the chambers orchests I5,

18, 22 500 mm length of the closed container 7 450 mm length of each ofchests 15, I8, 22 I5 mm diameter of the tubular chamber 5 mm The fluidused is saturated steam.

With this device, a polyhexamethylene-adipamide (Nylon 66) yarn, withtetralobed cross-section, 2,300 dtex/l36 filaments, is texturized anddyed simultaneously, under the following conditions:

Yam feeding speed into nozzle 3 I075 m/mn Absolute steam feedingpressure at the inlet of the texturizing chamber 8 kg/cm Absolutepressure of steam inside of closed enclosure 7 3 ltg/cm Absolute feedingpressure in chest I8 3 kg/cm Chests l5 and 22 are the non-condensingtype (free exhaust).

The packed yarn is dyed by bringing incontact with it an aqueoussolution of brilliant polar blue R A W L (CI 61 585), with aconcentration of 40 g/l, and a rate of flow of cm lmn, and an aqueoussolution of milling yellow 2 R (CI 25 I35 with a concentration of 40g/l, and a rate of flow of 70 cm 'lmn.

The amount of water brought in by these aqueous solutions is 73 percentwith respect to the weight of the yarn.

To point out the influence of the process according to the invention,the moisture content of the yarn in terms of weight was measured.

At the entrance of the texturizing device, the moisture content of theThe presence of chests 15, I8 and 22 therefore causes a lowering of themoisture content of:

The mechanical properties of the yarn are as follows:

Resistance 2.4 gldtex Elongation at break 42% Elasticity 30% Crimp I0.Ihalfcrimps per cm.

The elasticity is measured by the following test.

A skein of 10 meters of yarn to be tested is treated for 5 minutes at C.in saturated steam in a steam oven. Then a load of 0.045 gldtex (0.05g/den) of the yarn prior to texturizing is applied on a length of 50 cmof yarn taken from said skein. A length L, of yarn is then measured. Theload is then replaced by another smaller load of 0.0009 gldtex (0.001g/den) of the yarn prior to texturizing. This load is maintained for Ihour, then the length L, of the yarn is measured.

The elasticity is given by the formula:

[( 4 zl/ zl X 100 The value indicated corresponds to the average or meanof six tests.

The foregoing example clearly shows the applicability of the process ofthe present invention to the simultaneous dyeing and texturizing of thethermoplastic yarn at high speeds. The process allows good dyeabsorption and good fixation of the dye on the yarn.

EXAMPLE 2 With the device used in Example I and illustrated in FIG. I, aNylon 66, 2,300 dtex/ I 20 filament yarn is texturized andsimultaneously a dyeing inhibitor or a resist agent is applied to theyarn.

The operating conditions are as follows:

Yarn feeding speed in nozzle 3 I070 mlmn Absolute steam feeding pressureat the inlet of the texturizing chambe 8 kg/crn Absolute pressure ofsteam inside closed enclowre 7 3 ltglcm Absolute feeding pressure inchest 18 3 kg/cm The treated yarn is wound up directly at a windingspeed of 840 mlmn. Chests l5 and 22 are noncondensing type (freeexhaust).

The resisting agent used is an aqueous solution at 20 g/liter of aproduct known commercially under the name of Sandospace R" which is acolorless organic substance containing a sulfonic group and a reactivegroup, and which is capable of modifying the appearance of polyamidefibers for acid and cationic dyes.

This solution is injected through three nozzles with a flow of 130 cmper nozzle, for 265 g of yarn per minute.

The treated yarn is knitted and the knit obtained is dyed at 98C. withpH 5, buffered with 2 percent of Sandogene NH (SANDOZ) and 0.8 percentof a blue acid dye CI 61,125. The shade obtained is a very pale blueapproaching total resist.

Spotted effects, i.e. with resists in places, can be obtained by usingonly one of the three nozzles: in this case, 130 cm of Sandospace R isfed once for 265 g of yarn per minute.

A knitted article made from the same yarn, without any inhibitor, anddyed under the same conditions, has a deep blue shade.

EXAMPLE 3 The texturizing is effected under the same conditions, andwith the same yarn, as in Example 2, an antistatic agent being injected.

The product used is an aqueous solution at 38 g/liter of a product knownin commerce under the trademark Tetronics 908" (UGlNE-KUHLMAN), which isa polyoxyalkylene-tetrol with tertiary-amino functions which has thenbeen sulfonated to permit its fixation on' the polyamide.

It is injected onto the yarn through three nozzles at the rate ofv 120cm per nozzle for 265 g of yarn per minute.

The antistatic property is then measured by means of the Rotschildelectrometer.

According to this method, the period of half discharge of a sheetpreviously charged with 100 volts is measured. The following results areobtained:

Time of half-discharging 560 seconds antistatic-treated yarn It can beseen from the above examples that the process of the present inventioneffectively allows the simultaneous crimping and dyeing or finishing ofthermoplastic textile yarns. The yarns which are obtained in accordancewith the process of the present invention can be advantageously utilizedin the production of fabrics, knitted fabrics, non-woven articles, etc.,utilized in the production of floor coverings, wall coverings,upholstery, clothing, etc., as they are produced through the process ofthe present invention or after further processing.

While the present invention has been described primarily with referenceto the foregoing exemplifications it should be understood that thepresent invention is in no way to be deemed as limited thereto but,rather, must be construed as broadly as all or any equivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:

l. in a process for the simultaneous crimping and dyeing thermoplasticfilament yarns at high speeds comprising packing and compressing saidyarns into a confined space by introduction of a flow of a firstcompressed fluid, said first compressed fluid being heated toatemperature sufficient to set said yarns; allowing a portion of saidfirst compressed fluid to provide movement of said yarns axially insaid'confined space, the

remainder of said fluid escaping laterally from said confined space intoa further space under a pressure lower than the pressure of saidconfined space, but higher than atmospheric pressure; and simultaneouslyintroducing at least one dyeing solution into said confined space overthe compressed yarns, the improvement wherein the compressed yarn passesthrough at least one expansion zone and thereafter through at least onezone in which a second fluid is introduced under pressure.

2. The process of claim I wherein said first and second fluids are thesame fluid.

3. The process of claim 2 wherein said first and second fluids aresteam.

4. The process of claim I wherein said compressed yarn passes through atleast one expansion zone; thereafter through at least one zone in whichsaid second fluid is injected and thereafter through at least onefurther expansion zone.

5. The process of claim l wherein said at least one dyeing solutionadditionally contains a finishing agent.

6. The process of claim 1 wherein said compressed yarn passes through afirst expansion zone wherein said first compressed fluid expands under apressure close to atmospheric pressure; thereafter said compressed yarnpasses through an injection zone wherein said second fluid is injectedunder a high pressure substantially equal to the pressure of the firsttexturizing fluid, and finally said compressed yarn passes through afurther expansion zone maintained at a pressure substantially the sameas said first expansion zone.

7. The process of claim 6 wherein said first and second fluids are thesame fluid.

8. The process of claim 7 wherein said first and second fluids aresteam.

9. in a process for the simultaneous crimping and finishingthermoplastic filament yarns at high speeds comprising packing'andcompressing said yarns into a confined space by introduction of a flowof a first compressed fluid, said first compressed fluid being heated toa temperature sufficient to set said yarns; allowing a portion of saidfirst compressed fluid to provide movement of said yarns axially in saidconfined space, the remainder of said fluid escaping laterally from saidconfined space into a further space under a pressure lower than thepressure of said confined space, but higher than atmospheric pressure;and simultaneously introducing at least one finishing solution into saidconfined space over the compressed yarns, the improvement wherein thecompressed yarn passes through at least one expansion zone andthereafter through at least one zone in which a second fluid isintroduced under pressure.

10. The process of claim 9 wherein said first and second fluids are thesame fluid.

ill. The process of claim 10 wherein said first and second fluids aresteam.

12. The process of claim 9 wherein said compressed yarn passes throughat least one expansion zone; thereafter through at least one zone inwhich said second fluid is injected and thereafter through at least onefurnd fluid is injected under a high pressure substantially 14. Theprocess of claim 13 wherein said first and equal to the pressure of thefirst texturizing fluid, and second fluids are the same fluid. finally,said compressed yarn passes through a further 15. The process of claim14 wherein said first and expansion zone maintained at a pressuresubstantially second fluids are steam. the same as said first expansionzone.

2. The process of claim 1 wherein said first and second fluids are thesame fluid.
 3. The process of claim 2 wherein said first and secondfluids are steam.
 4. The process of claim 1 wherein said compressed yarnpasses through at least one expansion zone; thereafter through at leastone zone in which said second fluid is injected and thereafter throughat least one further expansion zone.
 5. The process of claim 1 whereinsaid at least one dyeing solution additionally contains a finishingagent.
 6. The process of claim 1 wherein said compressed yarn passesthrough a first expansion zone wherein said first compressed fluidexpands under a pressure close to atmospheric pressure; thereafter saidcompressed yarn passes through an injection zone wherein said secondfluid is injected under a high pressure substantially equal to thepressure of the first texturizing fluid, and finally said compressedyarn passes through a further expansion zone maintained at a pressuresubstantially the same as said first expansion zone.
 7. The process ofclaim 6 wherein said first and second fluids are the same fluid.
 8. Theprocess of claim 7 wherein said first and second fluids are steam.
 9. Ina process for the simultaneous crimping and finishing thermoplasticfilament yarns at high speeds comprising packing and compressing saidyarns into a confined space by introduction of a flow of a firstcompressed fluid, said first compressed fluid being heated to atemperature sufficient to set said yarns; allowing a portion of saidfirst compressed fluid to provide movement of said yarns axially in saidconfined space, the remainder of said fluid escaping laterally from saidconfined space into a further space under a pressure lower than thepressure of said confined space, but higher than atmospheric pressure;and simultaneously introducing at least one finishing solution into saidconfined space over the compressed yarns, the improvement wherein thecompressed yarn passes through at least one expansion zone andthereafter through at least one zone in which a second fluid isintroduced under pressure.
 10. The process of claim 9 wherein said firstand second fluids are the same fluid.
 11. The process of claim 10wherein said first and second fluids are steam.
 12. The process of claim9 wherein said compressed yarn passes through at least one expansionzone; thereafter through at least one zone in which said second fluid isinjected and thereafter through at least one further expansion zone. 13.The process of claim 9 wherein said compressed yarn passes through afirst expansion zone wherein said first compressed fluid expands under apressure close to atmospheric pressure; thereafter said compressed yarnpasses through an injection zone wherein said second fluid is injectedunder a high pressure substantially equal to the pressure of the firsttexturizing fluid, and finally, said compressed yarn passes through afurther expansion zone maintained at a pressure substantially the sameas said first expansion zone.
 14. The process of claim 13 wherein saidfirst and second fluids are the same fluid.
 15. The process of claim 14wherein said first and second flUids are steam.